The Big Three Tour from Las Vegas | 4-days, 3-nights

ZION • GREAT BASIN • DEATH VALLEY

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Explore three unique National Parks: Zion National Park, Great Basin National Park, and Death Valley National Park.

An incredible journey that combines three very different geological locations in the Southwest: The Colorado Plateau, The Great Basin, and The Mojave Desert! The Big Three Tour from Las Vegas offers a unique and memorable experience of three distinct geographical areas that are fantastic examples of the human and natural histories. Ghost towns, ancient petroglyphs, stunning scenery, and so much more! Our small group size allows for a more intimate experience and access to more isolated destinations that coach tours cannot offer!

Why DETOURS?

Small group tour with up to 12 passengers – no crowds!

The best historical lodging available – no lines!

Custom touring vehicles with comfortable, individual captain’s chairs, plenty of legroom, and large picture windows to enjoy the views

TRAVEL INFO

Cancellation and Payment PolicyTours require a 10% non-refundable deposit by credit card at the time of booking. Final tour balance is due 36 days prior to tour departure date. Tours canceled less than 36 days prior to departure or no shows will be charged in full.

Pre and Post Tour AccommodationsFor an additional cost, DETOURS can book pre and/or post tour accommodation packages at preferred hotels. We recommend booking pre and post tour accommodations at Courtyard by Marriott Las Vegas South, Mandalay Bay, The Venetian, or The Palazzo. We pick up and drop off at these hotels only. Guests staying at other hotels will be responsible for transportation to the nearest pick up location on the first day and from the nearest drop off location on the final day.

Group SizeOur vehicles are designed to carry up to 12 passengers in individual captain’s chairs. Tour group size will range from 8 guests, which is our guest minimum to operate this tour, up to 12 guests in our custom tour vans.

Because DETOURS travels with a maximum of 12 passengers, this allows us to take a flexible approach and take full advantage of touring opportunities in the American West.

TransportationDETOURS custom touring vehicles are specifically designed for small groups with comfortable, individual captain’s chairs.

Tour Guides Our guides have many years of experience in leading tours throughout the American West. Their knowledge and enthusiasm will ensure that everyone gets the most from each destination.

Accommodations/LodgingThe accommodations have been chosen to give guests the best access to the surrounding areas. For those traveling alone, there are single occupancy rates available.

Activity LevelsThis tour offers a wide range of walking opportunities, which requires a reasonable level of fitness, mostly due to possible elevation changes. The level of activity can be tailored to almost all levels of fitness.

Third Party ActivitiesAny third party activities not listed in tour itinerary are not included. There will be free time on some days and if you wish to participate in any additional third party activites, there will be an additional out-of-pocket cost.

Baggage Allowance Individual luggage must be kept to a maximum of one piece of luggage less than 50 pounds. It is recommended to travel with a small day pack for easy access to camera, sunblock, and other personal items. We advise our clients to pack as lightly as possible.

Temperature/WeatherTemperatures range from very cool in the mornings and evenings, with warm days. A layered clothing approach works best. Temperatures across the American West vary by season and unexpected weather is always a possibility. We recommend our guests bring jackets in the event of changing weather patterns.

Private Tour Option This tour can also be operated as a private tour. Contact a tour specialist for details.

NotesA minimum number of guests must be met for this tour. You may be booked on stand by until the tour is confirmed.

Due to the developing tourism industry in the area, changes can and do occur in this type of program. Weather conditions that are severe enough to limit where we can drive or walk can alter the program. As visitors, we will respect this and remain flexible and open to local conditions, safety concerns, and unforeseen circumstances. Our guides will do their best to keep things on track, but in the event that our schedule changes, they will try to keep disruption to a minimum, consider your wishes, and organize other options as far as it is reasonable and practical to do so.

TOUR ITINERARY

The Big Three Tour from Las Vegas

Day 1:

Departing early from Las Vegas, our first stop will be Pipe Springs National Monument to experience an authentic outpost that has been used for centuries by the Paiute Indians and early European explorers. We’ll enter Zion National Park from the East Entrance and into the incredible high country of Zion. Descending into Zion Canyon through a near century old tunnel is unforgettable! Follow the paths where ancient native people and pioneers walked and gaze up at massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that soar into a brilliant blue sky. Experience Zion’s unique array of plants and animals that will enchant you as you absorb the rich history of the past. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a delicious lunch at Zion Park Lodge. After lunch, you will have a free afternoon to explore the river trails, visitor’s center, or maybe join a National Park Ranger on a guided walk. The sky’s the limit in Zion! A late afternoon drive will take us north to the historic Mormon town of Cedar City, Utah for a walk around town and dinner.

Overnight at Best Western Plus, Cedar City, UT

Day 2:

Today, we’ll journey west to Great Basin National Park and cruise on a breathtaking, scenic drive to the Wheeler Peak campground, located at 9,886 feet in elevation. Here, you can enjoy a picnic lunch and leisurely stroll through the aspens or, for those wanting a more of a challenge, a 2.8 mile round trip (roughly 2 hour) hike to see the magical Bristlecone Pine Forest, where the oldest trees in the world twist majestically atop the breathtaking Wheeler Peak. Then, we will take our explorations underground with a ranger-guided tour to marvel at the gravity defying stalagmites and stalactites of the Lehman Caves. We’ll end the day in Ely where you can view colorful murals or visit the White Pine County Museum.

Overnight at La Quinta Inn and Suites, Ely, NV

Day 3:

To start the morning, we’ll visit the Nevada Northern Railway National Historic Landmark in Ely, the sole survivor from the Grand Era of Railroading in the state. After enjoying a history lesson, we’ll head west along Highway 50, dubbed “The Loneliest Road in America”, along one of the main stretches of the original Pony Express Route. The road traverses two mountain ranges through some of the most isolated lands in the lower 48 states. Ancient petroglyphs in the area are evidence of prehistoric hunting and dwelling sites dating back to 10,000 B.C. The views from the summits are incomparable! We will end the day in the historic mining town of Tonopah for a chance to relax and unwind before we continue our exciting journey.

Overnight at Historic Mitzpah Hotel, Tonopah, NV

Day 4:

An early departure to explore the incredible remnants of Rhyolite Ghost Town, once a bustling mining town of 5000 that had schools, a hospital, a thriving red light district, and even an opera house. You’ll feel the history of way back when! As we continue on to Death Valley National parks, our tour makes a gradual descent into this ancient sea bed, with the lowest point, Badwater Basin, at 292 feet below sea level. View Devil’s Golf Course and Zabriskie Point, overlooking Golden Canyon, which offers stunning views of the vast valley below, and the Panamint Mountains rising over 11,000 feet. After a day of discovery at our final stop, we’ll return to Las Vegas, just in time for some well-deserved rest or to continue the fun on The Strip!

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Lodging for three nights

Three breakfasts, two lunches, and two dinners

Entrance fees to National Parks and State Parks

Unlimited bottled water

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

Additional third party tours and activities not listed above

Meals not listed above

Incidental hotel fees

Travel insurance

Guide gratuities

TRAVEL TIPS

It is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes with good tread and travel with a small day pack for easy access to camera, sunblock, and other personal items. We advise guests to pack as lightly as possible. Temperatures across the American West vary by season. We recommend bringing a jacket in the event of changing weather patterns.

ARE YOU READY FOR 4 DAYS AND 3 NIGHTS OF ADVENTURE?

PHOTO GALLERY

FAQ

How much luggage can we bring?

Limit luggage to one suitcase that is less than 50 pounds and a day pack.

How much walking is required?

This tour offers a wide range of walking opportunities, which requires a reasonable level of fitness, mostly due to possible elevation changes. The level of activity can be tailored to almost all levels of fitness.

Any third party activities not listed in tour itinerary are not included. There will be free time on some days and if you wish to participate in any additional third party activites, there will be an additional out-of-pocket cost.

What hotels do we stay at?

The accommodations have been chosen to give guests the best access to the surrounding areas.

What hotels do you pick up at?

Courtyard by Marriott Las Vegas South, Mandalay Bay, The Venetian, and The Palazzo.

We recommend booking pre and post tour accommodations at Courtyard by Marriott Las Vegas South, Mandalay Bay, The Venetian, or The Palazzo. We pick up and drop off at these hotels only. Guests staying at other hotels will be responsible for transportation to the pick up location and from the drop off location.

Are pre-tour accommodations included?

No, but we can assist with pre-tour accommodations for additional cost.

Are post-tour accommodations included?

No, but we can assist with post-tour accommodations for additional cost.

How far in advance should I book my tour?

We recommend that you book early to guarantee a space on the tour, as these tours are limited to 12 passengers. Bookings can be made up to one year in advance of departure date.

What is the weather like?

Temperatures range from very cool in the mornings and evenings, with warm days. A layered clothing approach works best. Temperatures across the American West vary by season and unexpected weather is always a possibility. We recommend our guests bring jackets in the event of changing weather patterns.

OTHER TOURS YOU MIGHT LIKE

GREAT BASIN NATIONAL PARK TOUR FROM LAS VEGAS | 3-DAYS, 2-NIGHTS

Every day of this tour is filled with western history, legends, Nevada’s hidden gem of natural beauty, and of course, excitement!

National Parks of Utah Tour from Las Vegas | 6-days, 5-nights

The Big Three Tour from Las Vegas | 4-days, 3-nights2018-10-122019-02-21https://detoursamericanwest.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/dt-logo-updated-300.pngDETOURS American Westhttps://detoursamericanwest.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/the-big-three-tour-from-las-vegas-detours-featured.jpg200px200px

ABOUT DETOURS

DETOURS is the premier tour operator of the American West offering day and multi-day guided tours of the Grand Canyon and other beautiful destinations.